Upper Assam Flood Victims Demand Justice in Guwahati Protest
Protest by Flood-Affected Residents
Hundreds of people from Upper Assam staged a sit-in Chachal on Wednesday
Guwahati, Sept 23: A significant demonstration took place at Chachal in Guwahati on Wednesday, where flood-affected individuals from various Upper Assam districts gathered to demand proper compensation and relief from the government.
The protest was organized by the Raijor Dal, drawing hundreds of participants who have been impacted by the floods.
Protesters expressed their frustration, claiming that over three months after the devastating floods, the government has not provided the necessary relief and support they deserve.
Residents from flood-hit areas such as Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat convened at the protest site, voicing their grievances against the government for the insufficient aid received despite losing their homes and farmland.
Notable attendees included Kunki Chowdhury from the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), Gyanashree Bora from Raijor Dal, and three leaders from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
“The individuals present today are filled with determination. When the floods occurred, it was influencers and NGOs who stepped in to assist; otherwise, many would have faced starvation. The government should have supported the people by providing at least Rs 15,000 in compensation. Currently, 40% of the affected individuals have yet to receive this amount. The government later announced an additional Rs 10,000, but we see no progress,” stated KMSS member Bidyut Saikia.
Saikia emphasized that both KMSS and Raijor Dal will persist in their support for the flood-affected communities until their situations improve.
In response to the large gathering, police were stationed at various points throughout the city to ensure public safety.
“We demand that the government grant Rs 10 lakh to each family affected by the floods. Amounts like Rs 15,000 or Rs 25,000 are insufficient to create any real change,” Gyanashree Bora remarked.
Women who suffered due to the floods were notably active participants in the protest, with some bringing their young children, voicing their frustration over what they perceive as the government's neglect of their situation.
“It is disheartening to witness a government that has yet to provide the promised Rs 15,000 compensation. Residents from three districts had to travel to Dispur, leaving their homes behind, to assert their rights. This situation should never have arisen,” she expressed.
Reports indicate that over 100 individuals lost their lives in the Upper Assam floods in July, with many others losing their homes and livestock.